What Are Antioxidants (and Do You Really Need Them)?

What Are Antioxidants (and Do You Really Need Them)?

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away," and if modern food packaging is to be believed, that's often due to a hefty dose of antioxidants. From sports drinks to protein bars, we're constantly bombarded with foods claiming to be packed with these supposedly healthy compounds. But what exactly are antioxidants, and how many of them do we really need?

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But while the evidence isn't strong in support of antioxidant supplements as the key to good health, that doesn't mean they don't serve an important purpose in our diets. Consuming nutrients like vitamin C in normal doses — easily acquired in many fresh, whole foods — can help the body function normally and fight off infection. Upping those quantities to thousands of times the daily recommended value probably won't do much additional good.

Luckily, a healthy diet packed with antioxidants is relatively easy to stock up on, so grab a pen and paper and add these to the shopping list for a natural nutrient boost: